This December, the Trail Warriors embarked on an unforgettable four-day adventure through the breathtaking and rugged landscapes of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Known as the “Other Side of Nowhere,” this sprawling 300,000-acre park offered our group a perfect blend of challenging trails, fascinating history, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. From technical climbs to serene moonlit campsites, the trip was filled with camaraderie, unexpected obstacles, and moments of pure magic.
Day 1: The Adventure Begins
Our journey began early as we arrived at the park and set out on the Crystal Trail by mid-morning. The group’s excitement was palpable as we pedaled toward our first stops—the remnants of an old mine and a historic wax factory, relics of the area’s past. The day wasn’t without its challenges; a challenging flat required a total of 3 plugs to repair, a rogue branch took out a derailleur, forcing us to get creative and convert a bike to a single speed. Despite the mechanical hiccups, the team’s spirit remained high.
We reached our campsite by early evening, only to discover a mix-up in reservations. This led to an unexpected meeting with Tim, a friendly hiker from Massachusetts, who shared the site with us. Water became an adventure in itself as we filtered from a nearby spring. Dinner was filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of being surrounded by nature. The nearly full moon bathed the landscape in a silver glow, making flashlights unnecessary. However, the tranquility was humorously interrupted at 3 a.m. by a local herd of donkeys serenading us—a true Big Bend experience!
Day 2: Historic Hand Stencils and Trail Angels
We woke to frosty temperatures and lingering jokes about our nocturnal donkey visitors. After breakfast, we split into two smaller groups to prevent Jeff needing to pedal the mechanically challenged bike any further than necessary. We needed to limp it to camp where Marissa was bringing a backup bike later in the day. Some explored the historic Crawford-Smith House while refilling water for the group. The others moved ahead on the route to the hand stencils where we regrouped. Along the way, a friendly group of off-road enthusiasts stopped to chat and generously shared water.
The trail led us to more hike-a-bike sections, where the rugged terrain tested our strength and determination. By evening, we arrived at camp to find an incredible surprise: Jim and Clint, our “trail angels,” greeted us with cooked meals, supplies, and even Starlink internet access. Their hospitality was a much-appreciated luxury in such a remote setting.
Day 3: Big Views and New Discoveries
Fueled by a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, and pancakes courtesy of our trail angels, we hit the trails for what many described as their favorite day. This leg featured a mix of tough climbs, fast descents, and jaw-dropping vistas. Minor spills on rocky obstacles left us with a few scratches, which we jokingly referred to as “souvenirs” of the trip.
We stopped at the historic Madrid House, an old ranching site, before discovering a running spring where we topped off our water. With time to spare before sunset, we explored the area near our camp. Highlights included a mountain lion’s lair with bones and scat beneath a rock overhang and a stunning hike along the river bottom, where Marissa, our resident geographer, shared insights about the unique rock formations. As the full moon rose, the valley below was cast in an ethereal glow, making for an unforgettable end to the day.
Day 4: The Journey Home
We woke before sunrise, the sounds of camp stoves and rustling gear filling the cool morning air. By first light, we were on the trail, navigating a short technical descent before enjoying a fast downhill section. By now, three days of riding had strengthened our legs and boosted our confidence, making the final stretch feel like a victory lap.
Near the mine, we crossed paths with a group of park volunteers heading out for trail maintenance. Their dedication reminded us of the hard work that goes into preserving this incredible park. After a short but satisfying two-hour ride, we arrived back at the ranger station. High fives and congratulations were shared as we disassembled our gear and reflected on the journey.
Reflections on the Expedition
This was my ninth December trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park and my seventh as a guide with Trail Warriors. Each year brings unique challenges and rewards, but this was by far the strongest and most experienced group I’ve had the privilege to lead.
My favorite part as a guide is witnessing the transformation that takes place over the course of the trip. Participants who start with a mix of excitement and apprehension evolve into confident riders, tackling some of the most unforgiving terrain in the Southwest. Bonds are formed through shared challenges, laughter, and awe-inspiring moments, creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Big Bend Ranch State Park continues to be a source of inspiration and adventure for us all, and we can’t wait to return for more.
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